Regent Weekender

WE LIKED:  ?
>> Build quality
>> Fit and finish
>> Low towing weight
>> Sharp price

NOT SO MUCH:?
>> Needs larger bedroom windows
>> Needs light over ensuite vanity
>> No interior 12v outlet
>> A couple of double 240v power points would be nice

It’s a question facing many caravan buyers on a budget: do you buy a lesser-known brand with the lot, or an entry-level model from an established, quality builder?

That choice will be on many people’s minds when they check out the new, entry-level Regent – the 18ft 6in (5.6 metre) internal length single-axle Weekender priced from $50,990.

As that’s around $13,500 below the entry price of the cheapest Regent Cruiser model, you’ve got every right to ask ‘What have they left out?’ Nothing significant is the answer.

The new two-model Weekender range of single and tandem axle 18ft 6in vans sits at the bottom of the Regent range, below the Cruiser which comes in four body lengths from 18ft 6in-21ft 6in and the range-topping Regent Monarchs that are built in three lengths from 19ft 6in-21ft 6in.

The difference between Regent Cruiser and Monarch models is subtle and comes down to a host of enhancements on the Monarch, such as more modern solid timber cupboard doors instead of traditional picture frame doors, a larger vanity wash bowl in the Monarch and a funky blue LED exterior grab handle versus the black LED on Cruiser models.

CHEAP AND CHEERFUL?

However there’s no confusing the Weekenders with the Cruisers.

‘Cheap and cheerful’ was the first thing that came into my head when I first sighted the single-axle Weekender and then stepped inside.

While the length is the same, the interior layout is similar and while it ticks off most of the wanted feature boxes, there’s a distinct lack of the ‘bling’ that appeals to many buyers.

For example, the Regent ‘Spring Maple’ factory-built computer-cut furniture on the test van, while impressive in its finish and fine-tolerance fit and operation, looked plain.

Then there’s the upholstery in the café-style dinette, with its twin cloth-covered backrest bolsters and leather seats, which was more functional than inviting.

And the windows – particularly in the front north-south bedroom with its lift-up queen-size bed – were much smaller than we’ve become used to in vans in this price range these days.  

However experienced caravanners will look beyond these and see the value in the Weekender, which brings Regent levels of build quality to a new and attractive price point.

For example, the Weekender comes with a similar, beautifully-finished Austrail galvanised chassis to other Regents, with such refinements as bevelled guides for the hand brake cables to stop them snagging, angled, sealed ends to the chassis rails and handy hooks for the chains when not in use.

The CNC routers that carve out the solid timber furniture on the Weekender also shapes the cupboards on Monarch models costing $25,000 or so more.

The check-list of equipment is also what you would expect for a lesser brand van in this price range, particularly if you take the $3110-extra ‘Essentials’ pack (as most buyers will).

It takes the price to $54,100 and includes an Air Command Cormorant air conditioner, a 14ft roll-out awning, top-loader washing machine in the (full separate shower/toilet) ensuite, a microwave and a spare wheel and tyre (first time in a while we’ve seen one of these on the options list!).

By comparison the tandem-axle Weekender 18ft 6in caravan that’s identical in size, fit-out and options, costs $52,800, or $55,990 with the Essentials Pack.

The difference between the two is more than an extra set of wheels, as the single axle model weighs in about 100kg lighter at 1700kg than its tandem axle equivalent, putting it very much in the comfort zone of many medium sized family cars and ‘soft-roaders’ to haul comfortably.

Certainly it flew along behind our Land-Rover Discovery 3, making little difference to the Landy’s performance and fuel consumption.

TICKS THE BOXES

While the Weekender is low on ‘bling’, you do get a (single) 95-litre stone-shielded plastic water tank, a 100Ah deep-cycle battery, an electrical management system, pre-wiring for solar, plenty of stone-deflecting checker plate cladding and a full through tunnel boot for your $50,990.

Sure, the exterior is pretty plain and the combination of the white ribbed aluminium cladding combined with the bright silver stone cladding high across the nose, both sides and on the lower rear panel looks bright and cheerful and reminded me of what caravans wore a few years ago.

There’s no front boot, but the large tunnel boot, which extends full width for 75 per cent of its length makes up for this.

A ‘power group;’ of 240 volt, 12 volt sockets and an exterior aerial connection (in addition to the Weekender’s standard high-tech Jack antenna) tells you that there’s a reassuring amount of modern technology built in.

Inside there’s a four-burner cooktop (three gas and one electric hob) with grill, a Thetford three-way 164-litre fridge/freezer, a Thetford swivelling cassette toilet, a separate and quite spacious fibreglass cubicle shower, a Suburban 240v/gas hot water service and an AM/FM/CD sound system with twin speakers.  

OK, it’s a bit plain and a tad gloomy with its four relatively-small windows, single opening roof hatch (plus vent hatch above the shower) and dark timber-look floor, while the lack of LED lighting – particularly in the ensuite – doesn’t help things.

PRACTICALLY MINDED

However it scores high on function and practicality.

Along with substantial space under the hinged queen-size bed, there are twin large hanging robes, loads of clothes, kitchen and bathroom drawers and cupboards and room for four at a squeeze to sit in the café-style dinette with its tri-fold table, thanks to the space-saving of the single axle.

I guess the deal-breaker for many is whether they rate Regent quality above bling, as this is very much a what-you-see-is-what-you-get caravan.

There’s one layout (same on both single and tandem axle models) and one alternative choice of fabric/vinyl Laminex, but that’s all.

The pricing is such that if you start to tick too many option boxes your Regent dealer will soon point out that you’re better stepping up to the Cruiser range.

So the secret with the Weekender is to make the most of what it is: a foothold into a quality caravan brand, with all that represents.

VERDICT

The 18ft 6in Regent Weekender single axle caravan is a well-built, honest caravan that provides the traveller on a budget a foothold into the 25 year-old Regent brand for the price of a lesser-known caravan.

It’s plain, a bit dark inside but roomy, well made and likely to last you longer than many alternatives at the same price.

REGENT WEEKENDER 18FT 6IN SINGLE-AXLE

External body length: 6400mm?
Internal body length: 5640mm?
External body width: 2350mm?
Travel height: 2900mm
Tare: 1700kg?
GTM: 1980kg
Frame: Timber frame
Cladding: Ribbed aluminium
Chassis: Galvanised with beam axles and leaf spring suspension
Brakes: 10in Al-Ko electric?
Stability Control: Al-Ko ESC optional
Wheels: 15in alloy wheels fitted with 235/R75-15 tyres
Fresh water: 1 x 95L?
Battery: 1 x 100Ah?AGM, wired but optional 90W roof panels
Air-conditioner: Air Command Cormorant (with Essentials Pack fitted)?
Gas: 1 x 9kg?
Cooking: Three-burner gas, plus electric hot plate & grill?
Fridge: Thetford 164-litre fridge/freezer with AES (Automatic Energy Selection)
Microwave: Standard?in ‘Essentials Pack’
Toilet: Thetford cassette?
Shower: Separate fibreglass cubicle
Lighting: Oyster lights throughout
Price (drive-away, Vic): From $50,990. With Essentials Pack $54,100
Supplied by: Regent Caravans, ?Campbellfield, Vic.